My mom, Jude, was the queen of dining room tablescapes and Christmastime was when this talent shined the most.
She would create masterpieces on the table that were so extravagant, that when enjoying dinner, we often had to peak around the decor to see each other. It excited my mom to design her table top around a theme and add flair and charm to the room. Whether it was elegant or whimsical, her tablescapes made a statement all year long and not just at Christmas.
It’s been three years since my mom has been healthy enough to travel to my home for the holidays. When she used to arrive for Christmas, she’d show up enthusiastically ringing her jingle bell tree at the front door until my kids came running to greet her. She made ordinary moments huge. 
I’d like to think it was on purpose, and maybe it was, but my mom forgot that jingle bell tree here the last time she visited. Every Christmas, I rest it on an end table in my living room and my youngest gets a kick out of shaking it like her Ammie did.
This year, when I pulled that tree out of the storage bin, I was feeling inspired by it’s snow covered base and soft colors. This year, my mom’s jingle bell tree adorns my dining room table.
With an array of natural textures, my tablescape transformed into a woodland winter wonderland where rustic and natural elements like Juniper branches, Incense Cedar and Birch Bark work as a backdrop to playful and woodsy elements like gold dusted antlers, faux fur, pine cones, and feathers from recycled paper. Brass candlesticks add some elegance and shine as do the large bells.
The theme was carried out into other areas of my home too.
It’s stunning in simplicity yet subtly sophisticated as it naturally says Christmas.
I hadn’t planned on sharing the table, but I was caught off guard one morning. Somehow just where I placed my mom’s jingle bells is just where the sun shines each morning. Before I could even light the candles, I grabbed my camera and snapped these pictures. I’m thankful I did. 
What is your inspiration for holiday decor this year?
For more tablescape ideas, check out my Curry Bombay Dip for your Elegant and Edible Centerpiece.
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I love that jingle bell tree and the story behind it! They almost look like ceramic beads.
Thanks, Leah! The tree means a lot to me!
Merry Christmas! What a beautiful, rustic table decoration!
So beautiful! I didn’t know about her Jingle Bell Tree tradition and loved that story so much.
You and your Mom’s ability to create a tablescape is extraordinary. Getting a peak into the your creative process is always fascinating.
The picture at the end with the sunlit Jingle Bell Tree was strikingly symbolic. of how even a single object, infused with memory, can have an emotional impact when incorporated into decor. I think it’s my favorite Olive Jude lesson to date.
Love, love.
Wow! Thank you so so much! I love sharing, especially with those that knew mom at her best. It was a brilliant moment captured with that sun shining just on that tree. Really caught me off guard!
I love how you pulled this all together! It truly looks beautiful.
Danielle
momwifefoodie.com
This is stunning. So pretty! Love the rustic look and hints of greenery. My kind of tablescape for sure.
We were also inspired by a woodland theme! We just moved into our house this year. So, this was our first year to decorate the house for Christmas! We were able to purge some decor items we didn’t love and replace them with the inspiration of the woods surrounding us! <3 Beautiful table scape! I've never thought of adding fur and feather elements to a rustic theme! Totally fits!!
Your table turned out beautifully! Hope you have a Merry Christmas!!
I think this is the perfect tablescape for any nature lover! Beautiful and serene!
I love the natural elements and colors! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Beautiful!! Merry Christmas friend. ❤️
Thanks! Merry Christmas! 🙂
What a gorgeous table!! I love the rustic Christmas feel!!
Thank you, Melanie! I enjoyed building it!
I love grand tablescapes! Your mom sounds like my kind of woman!
That’s so sweet! Thank you!!!